Wakefield, RI: 6 Health Violations — 60/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Wakefield, RI reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Wakefield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Wakefield Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0038 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.41.
Wakefield's Water Providers
Throughout Wakefield, RI, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 7 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Wakefield, Rhode Island (population ~22,628), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 45,971 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wakefield: C (60/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Wakefield water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0038 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 12 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02879 | D | 6 | 3 | Veolia Water Wakefield Rhode Island Inc. |
| 02880 | C | 6 | 3 | Veolia Water Wakefield Rhode Island Inc. |
All ZIP Codes in Wakefield
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Wakefield Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Wakefield's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Wakefield
Across Wakefield, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Wakefield are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,100–$5,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% above the Rhode Island average.
Wakefield: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Wakefield appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Wakefield: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
491 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Wakefield, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Wakefield has a moderate flood history with 491 FEMA claims averaging $9,232 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,300</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Wakefield
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Wakefield's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Wakefield, RI